Interview: Dynamic 4-Star 2022 Louisiana WR Shazz Preston is Taking Skills on the Camp Circuit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is good reason Shazz Preston is rated as a four-star recruit, the young man is an impressive talent. During the 2019 season, Preston imposed his will against Louisiana secondaries for 1,018 yards off 62 receptions with nine touchdowns scored. The hard work for the 6-1, 185-pound, target paid off with a 3A Louisiana state championship for his St. James High School (15-0) squad while earning All-District, All-Metro, and All-State honors. The acknowledgments have continued on with programs from the SEC, Pac-12, ACC, and Big 12 extending offers.
Preston’s character and will to prove he is among the best is shinning brightest this offseason. He is not resting on his four-star status or eight offers, but pushing himself with an aggressive combination of national and college camps this offseason. In an RNG return, Preston comes back into the lab for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Shazz, do you still have a smile on your face after taking home the Louisiana 3A state championship trophy?
“Oh yeah; every day. It’s just great. Every time I go out in public, everyone knows your name. That is a good feeling when they complement you on what we just accomplished.”
What did that accomplishment mean to you?
“It meant a lot. My brother, he could not play four years ago. That game meant a lot to me, I played it for him. It made it better when we won it. I came into the game with a chip on my shoulder.”
We spoke at the very beginning of the 2019 season covering all the hard work you had put into your game to prepare for the grind. How did the 2020 season go for you?
“It went well. Not just with recruiting, I saw improvement in all that I was doing. I got a long way to go, but I saw so much improvement in my game last season.”
Which routes were you running last season?
“I was running slants and go-routes. Our passing game was not as wide open.”
There was a one-two punch out of the backfield with seniors Sean Lebeouf and quarterback Shamar Smith. With the ground game so effective and you being the go-to guy in passing situations, what type of coverages were you seeing last season?
“Cover 1, Cover 2, press and off man – everything.”
Given the 1,000-plus receiving yards, a whole lot of great things were happening for you on the field. How did your overall game improve throughout the season allowing you to be so successful?
“My catch radius improved, my speed out of the break, my aggressiveness, my route running – everything really.”
Which game did you turn in your top performance last season?
“My best game against Union Parish; I think I had 12 catches in that game.”
Are you putting your skills to the test at any camps coming up?
“Yes. The camps I am going to, I am going all over the south. I am going to Rivals, The Opening, and I was invited to Under Armour – the one in Houston. With college camps, I am going all over; LSU, Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn, FSU, Florida, Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee, and I might to Texas A&M. This will be my second year doing this. I am going with a group of people from my school and guys I am close with in an RV.”
That will be fun.
“Yes, sir.”
Let’s catch up on recruiting. Which schools are giving you interest?
“South Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Alabama.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Eight.”
Preston’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, LSU, Miami, Mississippi State, Nicholls State, and Texas A&M
Are you competing in any other sports besides football this year?
“Indoor and outdoor track, and baseball.”
Shazz, it was a lot of fun catching up with you today. I hope all the camps go your way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Morvant/Preston family; No. 7 Shazz Preston (2019)